we are planning a trip to Edinburgh in July, staying 7 days. I wanted to take a side trip to Inverness (by train?). Can this be done as a day trip or should we plan on staying there overnight. I haven't made any reservations in Edinburgh yet, so we are flexible. Any additional help on side trips would also be helpful.

Pat, <BR>I am going back to Scotland (and Western Europe) after too many years of being away starting August 6th. I am planning to revisit all the places I can't remember as a child and I'm debating the Edinburgh-Inverness trip myself. Inverness is 160 miles north of Edinburgh (a four hour train ride). Frankly, unless you are going there to see family or plan to spend time in the Highlands, you may want to consider another destination. I think that Aberdeen or Dundee may be time better spent. Don't get me wrong....I love Inverness, but since your time is limited I am trying to give you solid advice. Please feel free to e-mail me if you would like to compare notes. I hope this helps. <BR> <BR>Ian

Pat <BR> <BR>You could do a day trip; but if you do it I would think an overnight stay would be a good option. <BR> <BR>I'm not a great fan of Inverness as a town myself. How about Oban or Fort William as an alternative?

Never been able to understand why Inverness gets on everyone's itineraries - nothing wrong with the place, but there's not much that you can't see elsewhere, if it's awkward just go somewhere else.Perhaps many have a family reason for going. <BR> I think the tourist board pushes it as "the Capital of the Highlands", but you can see the Highlands without going anywhere near Inverness & if you only want the Highlands, skip it. <BR> For the best scenery follow Sheila's advice - Oban is prettier & more fun than Ft.W., both are in the Highlands. <BR> If you want to see a city outside Edinburgh, go to Glasgow, 45 mins on the train, beatiful city centre, train to Oban?

I agree - Inverness is nice, but I didn't think that it was a worth a trip so far north (unless you choose to go further north to the islands). Try the west coast and Skye.

While in Edinburgh, don't miss going to Whistle and Binkies on the Royal Mile. It's a small pub that that has traditional folk music. <BR> <BR>We were there in May and had a great time. <BR> <BR>There is so much to do in Edinburgh, HAVE FUN!!!

Thanks everyone for all your help. My main problem right now is find a B& B to stay in that week. Once I find a place to stay I then I can concentrate on planning our day trips. So I will be back to ask additional questions then.

I recommend basing in Oban. See my entry at B&B at Oban, Scotland. Very inexpensive but very nice home with view of the harbor. Oban is a lovely city and gives alternative of ferrying to the islands from there.

We just returned from our trip and we spent 3 days in Edinburgh at Stuart's Guest House. We loved it! 38lbs a night and it included breakfast.We also rented a car and drove to Loch Ness. We loved seeing the Highlands--beautiful! We also saw Stirling Castle on the way. I would definitely spend a night in the Highlands--we spent 2. I'll be posting a trip report as soon as I can think without jet lag.